Bishop Inspired by House of Bishops' Gathering in Texas

Photo of those attending the House of Bishops retreat, taken by Bp. Frank Logue

Over the past week, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley joined 132 other bishops and bishop-elects of The Episcopal Church at a House of Bishops retreat at Camp Allen, near Navasota, Texas. It marked the first time the group has been able to meet in person since September 2019. Over the course of the March 15-21 meeting, the House of Bishops voted unanimously to issue statements condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and also recent political actions that have targeted transgender people.

Bishop Woodliff-Stanley was grateful for the time spent together with the diverse group. “I found the House of Bishops to be a deeply welcoming and profoundly prayerful community, and I was both inspired and challenged by the stories of bishops whose people face all manner of trials, both on our shores and globally, that threaten our fundamental birthright as beloved children of God,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “I left with a renewed commitment to continue the important work of justice, mercy, and revolutionary love, and I was eager to return home and continue that good work with the people of the Diocese of South Carolina.”

In addition to making clear their stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressing complete support for Ukrainian refugees as well, the bishops also took action on issues closer to home, discussing the alarming number of new laws and political directives that have been presented and sometimes passed targeting the rights of transgender youth across this country.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry explained the link between the two issues on different continents. “People can think ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ can be trite and simplistic until you have to do it,” he said. “And that same principle that applies for transgender children applies for the people of Ukraine. They’re God’s children, and nobody, no human being is meant to be abused. Put down. Oppressed.”

During the discussion about the proposed and passed legislation currently being considered in many states across this country that could diminish the rights of the transgender community (particularly among youth), Bishop Woodliff-Stanley rose to the floor to acknowledge that South Carolina is one of these states and to demonstrate her solidarity with transgender youth and adults in the Diocese of South Carolina (click here for a link to find out more about legislation proposed in SC and other states).

Read a more complete summary of the substantial issues discussed by the House of Bishops, and the specific actions taken about each, on the Episcopal News Service at this link.

There was one unplanned session during the retreat, in which our bishop took part. When one of the scheduled speakers was unable to attend at the last minute, various bishops were asked to offer specific reflections to the group, mostly related to reconciliation in a variety of forms. Bishop Woodliff-Stanley was honored to offer one of the reflections, all of which were framed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Ten Commandments for Non-Violence,” which were shared in his book Why We Can’t Wait and are, still today, often used for work in the areas of justice and reconciliation.

The gathering was not all business; there was both retreat and sabbath time. During the retreat portion, theologian Cynthia Bourgeault taught compelling prayer practices. These practices are rooted in awareness of how we become grounded in our bodies to offer centered leadership, especially in difficult times. As it was held at a camp facility, attendees enjoyed the opportunity to participate in “camp activities” on their Sabbath. Bishop Ruth enjoyed her first pickleball lesson. “I’m not quite ready for the major leagues, but I’m working on it,” she said.
 
The House of Bishops will gather next alongside and its counterpart, the House of Deputies, at the 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, from July 7-14.

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